Couple That Lost Care License Sues

PLAINVILLE — A local couple accused of mistreating foster children in their care is suing the state to prevent the Department of Children and Families from removing their license.

The suit filed by Ray and Nancy Orsi, who run the Domus Amoris ``House of Love'' permanent family residence on South Washington Street, also contends that the department did not follow proper procedures when it removed two children from the home in February.

The Orsis, whose care for more than 30 severely disabled children over the past 20 years has been nationally recognized, have requested a temporary injunction preventing the state from pursuing any license revocation proceedings until the custody issue regarding the children is resolved.

David Dearborn, a department spokesman, said the agency is going ahead with the revocation procedure.

The department notified the couple in June that a four-month investigation found that the home violated regulations mandating humane and affectionate care of the children, and that the Orsis did not work cooperatively with the children's parents and guardians or comply with the children's treatment plan. The investigation was prompted by complaints from three home health aides.

The department removed two foster children in February, but officials would not comment on why the children were removed or whether they had been abused. The children were taken to another foster home, state officials said.

The suit, filed in Hartford Superior Court, says the agency removed the children without any order of temporary custody alleging that they were in ``imminent danger.''

The Orsis say they requested a hearing to determine whether there was probable cause to remove the children without a hearing, a third-party investigation and a removal hearing.

The department denied the Orsis' request for a removal hearing and did not institute a third-party investigation, the suit says.

Dearborn said there were hearings after the children were removed and that there is a court order stating the children will not be returned to Domus Amoris.

The Orsis have requested a hearing on the license revocation but a date has not been set. Dearborn said the department is trying to reach an agreement with the Orsis on the appointment of an independent hearing officer.

Dearborn referred questions about the suit to the attorney general's office. The attorney general's office, which represents the Department of Children and Families, declined to comment.